
Water Supply and Sewerage Projects Progressing Across Punjab
Chandigarh: The Punjab government, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to ensuring clean and safe drinking water for every household in the state. In line with this mission, the Water Supply and Sanitation Department is implementing numerous projects to provide uninterrupted access to potable water, particularly in rural areas.
Transforming Water Supply Infrastructure
Efforts are underway in 11,467 Gram Panchayats across 153 blocks, with 9,492 water supply and sanitation schemes currently operational. Additionally, 469 schemes funded under NABARD (22 to 29) have been implemented in 700 villages. A further proposal worth Rs 160 crore under NABARD 30 has been submitted to the Finance Department for approval.
Recently, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated water supply and sewerage projects worth Rs 119.16 crore in Abohar, benefiting over 1.5 lakh residents. This includes an automated water supply project with a capacity of 3.50 MGD, which ensures the delivery of canal water to households.
In the Sunam Udham Singh Wala area, projects worth Rs 4.21 crore have been completed in three villages, supplying clean drinking water to 7,218 villagers through the installation of water tanks, tubewells, solar systems, and a 29-km pipeline.
Major Approvals and Upcoming Projects
The government has also sanctioned Rs 25.61 crore for water supply projects in 37 villages of Sangrur district, benefiting 87,053 residents. Another Rs 28.32 crore is earmarked for projects in 24 villages of the same district. In Phagwara, a Rs 4.35 crore water supply project is under development, aiming to provide clean drinking water to over 8,000 people by May 2025.
By 2024-25, 15 major multi-village surface water supply projects worth approximately Rs 2,200 crore are expected to be completed. These projects will ensure uninterrupted water supply to over 1,700 villages across Punjab.
Addressing Water Quality Challenges
To tackle water quality issues, 685 arsenic and iron removal plants have been installed across various districts, with technical assistance from IIT Madras. In border villages, household purifiers and community water treatment plants worth Rs 133 crore have been deployed.
The government has also strengthened the water testing infrastructure by expanding the network of labs. NABL accreditation has been granted to 31 labs, including a state-cum-referral lab, six regional labs, 17 district-level labs, and seven block-level labs.
Promoting Water Conservation
The Bhagwant Singh Mann administration is taking strict measures to prevent water wastage. Fines are being imposed under the Water Act to ensure responsible water usage. In addition, the government is promoting the use of efficient water systems and providing support to households to maintain clean and safe drinking water.
A Sustainable Vision
The Punjab government’s comprehensive approach to clean water supply reflects its dedication to improving public health and sustainability. By focusing on both infrastructure development and water conservation, the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government is working tirelessly to fulfill its promise of delivering clean drinking water to every household in Punjab.